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Manchester police investigate reported sexual assault

MANCHESTER — A man grabbed a 32-year-old woman walking home Tuesday morning, near Maple and Laurel streets,dragged her into an alley and sexually assaulted her, according to police.

The incident happened about 5 a.m. as the woman was walking home after visiting a relative.

She said the man approached her as she neared Maple and Laurel streets and asked her for a cigarette. Then he made another inquiry, indicating he thought she was a prostitute.

When she said she wasn't, the man told her it didn't matter. He grabbed her by the wrist, pulled her into the alley, and pushed her toward an open doorway. He pushed her down onto some steps and sexually assaulted her. Then he ran off, heading west in the alley.

The assailant is described as a black man, about 5-foot to 5-foot-4, with a skinny build. He was last seen wearing a dark blue or black zip up hooded sweatshirt with the words “Abercrombie and Fitch” written in white or yellow across the front. He did not have a detectable accent.

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to call police at 668-8711. Anonymous tips for cash rewards may be made through Manchester Crimeline at 624-4040 or online at manchestercrimeline.org .